Adventures with Nancy Rose: Pakoras

My blog, Adventures with Nancy Rose, is about easy, plant-based recipes and about my culinary and creative adventures. Pakoras, one of the most popular of Indian finger foods, are a favorite of mine when dining out, and I decided they were definitely worth learning how to make at home. Turned out they’re really easy, delicious, and perfect for holiday entertaining.

I did a twist on potato latkes for the Hanukkah version (notice how pakora rhymes with menorah and hora?). For Christmas, a bit of green kale with white cauliflower for texture and contrast are perfect when served with tamarind (red) and mint (green) chutneys.

These recipes can be modified to serve a small group or a crowd. Better plan on making more than you think because they are fantastic!

Make each pakora batter by sifting the listed ingredients (except the water) together. Gradually add cold water and blend until it’s the consistency of pancake batter.

For Hanukkah, add the onions and potatoes to the batter and stir to coat.

For Christmas, add the kale and cauliflower to the batter and stir to coat.

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy, medium sized stock pot, and heat the oil until a drop of batter into the oil sizzles, about 5-7 minutes.

Fill a tablespoon or so with the battered veggies and carefully place it in the hot oil. You should be able to fit at least 4 separate pakaros into the pot at the same time. Fry them about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and then remove them to a paper towel lined plate or pan. Continue frying the remaining batter.

For Hanukkah, mix the dipping sauce ingredients together and serve with the hot Hanukkah pakoras.

For Christmas, if you’re ambitious you can make your own chutneys, or do like I do and get them from your favorite, local Indian restaurant, and serve with the hot Christmas pakoras.